Ithete to officially open oil and gas conference

Mines and energy minister Natangwe Ithete is expected to open the third Namibian Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) today.The strategic and technical summit will also feature addresses by Economic Association of Namibia chair Jason Kasuto, NIPDB CEO Nangula Uaandja, Rhino Resources Namibia CEO Travis Smithard, Namcor acting MD Victoria Sibeya and Gas Exporting Countries Forum secretary-general Mohamed Hamel.The summit follows yesterday’s masterclasses aimed at future generations, local stakeholders and suppliers seeking opportunities in Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry.Last year’s conference drew over 1 000 delegates, 42 exhibitors and 29 sponsors from 35 countries. This year’s event is even bigger.Space for all NamibiansAt yesterday’s sessions, Rhino Resources deputy country manager Ndakolo Haiduwa reported that Namibians now make up 60% of the workforce at its Volans-1X drilling campaign, up from 50% in previous projects. He stressed the need to address challenges early to avoid future industry conflicts and said there is space for all Namibians, including youth, provided skills and certification standards are met.Dr Abdulmalik Halilu of Nigeria’s Content Development and Monitoring Board urged Namibia to enact local-content legislation early, noting Nigeria’s growth from 10% local content in 2010 to 56% last year. He called for more research and development to boost local participation, adding that Nigeria is ready to collaborate with Namibia for shared prosperity.Deloitte Namibia country manager Melanie Harrison said local firms in road construction, waste management and workplace safety supply are best placed to enter the oil supply chain, with catering, steelwork and civil construction also holding potential if industry standards are met. She identified lack of capital, payment delays and permit and visa issues as key barriers.From the Presidency’s petroleum development unit, Charles Mbeha noted that the Petroleum Exploration Act already contains local-content provisions, and a dedicated policy is in development, with national consultations set for next month and adoption targeted before year-end.

Ithete to officially open oil and gas conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-13

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Ithete to officially open oil and gas conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-13

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